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The first seal pup of the 2019/20 winter season has been rescued by Geoff George of the GSPCA - after being found in a poorly state at Grandes Rocques.
He's thought to be no more than three days old, but must have been separated from his mother during rough weather as there was no sign of her when Crash was picked up yesterday.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said:
"The very emaciated and poorly pup was nearly a quarter of the weight he should be for his age with no mother in sight. At only 12kgs if the pup hadn’t been rescued it would have surely perished on our West Coast."
Crash is now at the animal shelter in St Andrew's, where he has joined another seal pup in the tank there, where he's receiving round the clock intensive care, being given fluids every two hours to help him stabilise.
Head of Mammals at the GSPCA, Mr George said: “We were called out just after lunch to Grandes Rocques and it is likely that all this bad weather has separated the pup from its mother.
“The pup is tiny and only 12kgs making it one of the smallest ever grey seal pups we have rescued.”
Pictured: Andrew - known as Andy - the seal pup rescued a year ago by the GSPCA.
Andy, a seal pup rescued last winter, is still in the care of the GSPCA, as he has a number of issues meaning he still needs human help in his rehabilitation. That means Crash has some company in the special tank for Seal's at the animal shelter.
“It’s early days for Crash but we are doing everything we can for this very sick young grey seal pup at the GSPCA," said Mr George.
Mr Byrne added: “Poor Crash is a very lucky seal pup and we are now doing everything we can to get this pup back to health.
“At only 12kgs Crash should be closer to 40kgs so we now have to work day and night to get this pup back to health.
“We were hoping for a quiet seal pup season as we really want to start our Wildlife Hospital Build in the New Year so we can vastly improve our Wildlife facilities and we are appealing for support not just to help towards this much needed build but also for the seals in our care.
“There are many ways to support from making a donation to Buying a Brick and anyone wanting to support our work we would love to hear from you.”
The GSPCA is available 24 hours a day/365 days a year to help seals and any other animals which need help.
Pictured: The GSPCA has helped a number of seals over the last few years. During the busy 2018/19 season the Co-op helped out by providing the charity with food for the growing number of guests in the tank.
With seal pup season now upon us, there are some things to look out for if you are concerned about the health of one.
Mr Byrne said: "A healthy seal pup should look like a fat maggot but those with skinny necks and ribs showing like Crash are those that are likely suffering and been separated from their mothers.
“If you see a seal pup please ensure you keep a great distance and please do send us a picture whether they are healthy or not but any concerns call us 24/7 on 01481 257261.”
“You can see our full seal pup advice by visiting gspca.org.gg/animal/seal-advice.”
“To donate to Andy and Crash the seals pup please visit giving.gg/donate/event/4617/Help-the-seal-fpups-at-the-GSPCA or justgiving.com/fundraising/jerseyandguernseysealpups."
For more information, contact Steve Byrne directly by calling 257261 or email stevejbyrne@gspca.org.gg.
Pictured top: Crash the seal pup.
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